Categories
Ashanti Region of Ghana

Nana Agyeman Prempeh I International Airport – Kumasi Airport

  1. Nana Agyeman Prempeh I International Airport, originally completed in 1943 as Kumasi Airport, has undergone significant developments since its inception, including major expansions in the 1950s and 1970s.
  2. The airport was declared an international airport in 2003, with further modernization, including a new terminal and advanced navigational systems, completed in 1993 and 2014.
  3. A major expansion project began in 2018, with Phases Two and Three focusing on upgrading the airport’s infrastructure, including a new terminal, extended runway, and additional facilities.
  4. Despite its international status, the airport primarily serves domestic flights, with a fluctuating passenger volume, peaking in 2022 at 476,266 passengers.

Nana Agyeman Prempeh I International Airport, initially known as Kumasi Airport, has a storied history from the early 1940s. While approval for the airport’s construction was granted as early as 1940, it wasn’t until 1947 that the necessary documentation for land acquisition was completed and paid for. By 1943, however, the airport had already been constructed, marking the beginning of its role as a key aviation hub in Ghana.

The late 1950s saw substantial investments by the Ghanaian government to enhance the airport’s infrastructure. These developments included improvements to the runway, the installation of navigational aids, and the enhancement of human resources to support internal airline operations. The late 1970s brought further significant advancements, with the installation of runway and taxiway lights and the extension of the main runway to the southern part of the airport.

The first major modernization phase of the airport was completed on December 1, 1993, with the construction of a new terminal and the installation of a VOR/DME system, a crucial navigational aid. This modernization set the stage for the airport’s designation as an international airport in 2003, primarily serving regional operations. The airport was equipped with the full complement of Security, Customs, and Immigration staff, although it continued to function mainly on a regional level until further upgrades were implemented.

In December 2014, the airport saw another significant milestone with the inauguration of a newly rehabilitated runway equipped with Aeronautical Ground Lighting Systems. This development enabled domestic airlines to begin night operations, increasing the airport’s capacity and operational flexibility.

The most recent and ongoing developments at Nana Agyeman Prempeh I International Airport began in 2018 with the commencement of Phase Two of the airport’s expansion project. This phase includes the construction of a new terminal building capable of handling 800,000 passengers annually, the installation of two boarding bridges, the development of a road network, and the construction of a perimeter fence, power substation, and car parking lot. The total cost of this phase is estimated at £66,350,000.

Phase Three of the expansion project is focused on further extending the airport’s runway from 1,981 meters to 2,320 meters, the construction of a new taxi link, two apron parking stands, an Air Traffic Control building, and a Fire Station, among other facilities. This phase is expected to cost £58,900,000, with the construction work being carried out by Messrs Contracta Construction UK Ltd.

Despite its designation as an international airport in 2014, Nana Agyeman Prempeh I International Airport primarily serves domestic air traffic. Two domestic carriers, Africa World Airlines (AWA) and Passion Air, currently operate at the airport. Over the years, the airport’s passenger traffic has varied, with a significant peak in 2022 when 476,266 passengers were recorded. However, the numbers slightly declined in 2023, with 406,716 passengers.

Categories
Food & Drink

How To Prepare Shito

Shito
Shito

This post seeks to teach you how to Prepare Shito. Shito is undoubtedly one of the popular sauces in Ghana especially for students. It’s also normally referred to as student’s companions in school because most students can go to school without them.

Find below the steps on how to prepare shito for school or at home.

Enjoy your prepared shito with the food of choice.

Recipe by FARMART GHANA

Categories
Food & Drink

Ghana Jollof Rice Recipe

Preparing Jollof rice the Ghana Style should not be a difficult task. Jollof rice is a popular food enjoyed by a lot of Ghanaians, Nigerians, and other West Africans.

It can be prepared in several ways; can be made with meat, vegetables, or tofu. The uniquely colored rice is often enjoyed at dinnertime, and also served at various parties, engagements and weddings.

Find below the steps on how to prepare Jollof rice the Ghana style.

Recipe by FARMART GHANA

Categories
Food & Drink

How to prepare Kelewele (Spicy fried plantain)

Kelewele
Kelewele

It is a very popular feature in the daily lives of Ghanaians. There’s always a kelewele vendor somewhere close-by especially during the later hours of the day.

Kelewele
Kelewele

To locate a vendor, just take a walk along the street in the evenings and the aroma is going to alert you that a vendor is nearby.

Categories
Ashanti Region of Ghana

Manhyia Palace

Manhyia Palace Museum
Manhyia Palace Museum

Manhyia is an Akan word which means gathering of the town’s people. The Manhyia Palace is the seat of the Asantehene of Asanteman, as well as his official residence.

It is located at Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Kingdom and Ashanti Region. The first palace is now a museum. King Opoku Ware II built the new palace, which is close to the old one and is used by the current Asantehene, King Osei Tutu II.

The palace courtyard hosts numerous important Asante traditional events. These include the Adae festival, which occurs every sixth Sunday, when the Asantehene receives homage from his subjects and subservient chiefs.

Asantehene, King Osei Tutu II
Asantehene, King Osei Tutu II

The palace built by the British after the “War of the Golden Stool” was converted into a museum and officially opened on 12 August 1995 by the then king, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II. The opening of the museum was part of activities that marked the Silver Jubilee of his accession to the Golden Stool.

This palace was used as the office of the Kings. It served as Administrative headquarters of Asante Nation from 1925 to 1974 until Otumfuo Opoku Ware II moved from this office to the new residence at Manhyia. Several artefacts are displayed in the museum. They include furniture used by the Kings, the bronze head of Nana Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, and a sketch map of the Asanteman.

There is also Asanteman’s first television at the museum, as well as life-sized wax effigies of some of the kings and queens of Asanteman.

Categories
Central Region of Ghana

Cape Coast Castle

Cape Coast Castle
Cape Coast Castle

‘Cabo Corso,’ meaning ‘short cape’, is the name the Portuguese settled on for the local settlement within which its trade lodge was built in 1555. Its corruption to ‘Cape Coast’ is now the accepted name of the capital of the Central Region of Ghana. The Swedes, led by Krusenstjerna, however, were the initiators of the permanent structure presently known as Cape Coast Castle. They built a fort in 1653 and named it Carlousburg, after King Charles X of Sweden.

Its proximity to St. George’s Castle (Elmina Castle) and its sheltered beach were all forceful ‘pull factors’ for European nations to the Cape Coast. In addition, the immense viability of the area’s trade implied that the ensuing quest for control led to the Swedes having trouble holding on to their fort. It was captured in turn by the Danes and the local Fetu chief.

Cape Coast Castle
Cape Coast Castle

Dutch occupation commenced in 1660. Finally, the British fleet, led by Captain Holmes, conquered the fort in 1665 and by 1700, had upgraded it into a castle.

Colonial rivalry between England and France peaked in 1757 during the Seven Years’ War. A French naval squadron bombarded Cape Coast Castle, leaving it badly damaged, and after 1760, the English reconstructed the castle entirely – with more durable materials and an improved sea defence system.

The English retained control of the Castle into the late 19th century. The slave trade was principal until its ban in 1807 by the British, and it ‘is estimated that around 1700, the Royal African Company was exporting some 70,000 slaves per annum to the New World’ . After 1807, trade centred on precious metals, ivory, corn and pepper. In the eighteenth century, the castle’s role altered, as it became the centre of European education in Ghana.

The Cape Coast Castle has served as the West African headquarters of the president of the Committee of Merchants; the seat of the British governor; and a school.

Cape Coast Castle
Cape Coast Castle

Open to the public, it is currently a historical museum with a Ghanaian arts and crafts gift shop, and it is the regional headquarters of Ghana Museums and Monuments Board.

The castle’s opening hours are 9:00am to 4:30pm daily.

Entrance Fee

  • Pupils from Primary to JHS 3 – GH¢ 0.30
  • SHS Students – GH¢ 0.50
  • Tertiary Students with ID – GH¢ 1.00
  • Ghanaian Adults –  GH¢ 2.00
  • Foreign Children – USD 2.00 or its equivalent in Ghana cedis
  • Foreign Students with ID – USD 4.00 or its equivalent in Ghana cedis
  • Adult Foreigners – USD 7.00 or its equivalent in Ghana cedis

*Entrance fees might have changed

Contact Details:

Tel +233-3321 32529

References:
The Royal African Company.
Anquandah, Kwesi J., Castles and Forts of Ghana, 1999, page 49.
The Ghana Museums and Monuments Board.

Categories
Central Region of Ghana

Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park PHOTO: Attractions Ghana
Kakum National Park PHOTO: Attractions Ghana

Located in the coastal environs of the Central Region of Ghana, Kakum National Park protects an area of rainforest and serves as home to several endangered mammals including forest elephants, bongo antelopes and primates like the Diana monkey.

The park is also rich in butterflies and birds; African grey parrots and hornbills.

The Canopy Walkway, suspended 30 meters above the ground, is a major feature of the site. It provides treetop views of the forest.

In 2000, the Park was listed under UNESCO’s tentative List of World Heritage Sites after the Museums and Monuments Board of Ghana proposed that it should be declared a natural World Heritage Site.

In 2017, the Park introduced a Children’s Park. The less publicised Children’s Park is an artificial version of the main park with a smaller canopy walkway designed for children.

Children's Park, Kakum National Park. PHOTO CREDIT: Ekow Simpson
Children’s Park, Kakum National Park. PHOTO CREDIT: Ekow Simpson

Park in a Park: Children’s Park at Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park is located 33 kilometres north of Cape Coast and Elmina near the small village of Abrafo. It is easily accessible by taxis from the town center but most visitors arrive in organized tour buses.

The Park is one of the must-visit attractions in Ghana recommended by Jetsanza.com.

Things to do at Kakum National Park

  • Canopy Walkway
  • Hiking
  • Nature Park
  • Animal Viewing
  • Bird Watching on Canopy Walkway
  • Camping and Tree House

Other facilities available:

  • Lodging (Rainforest Lodge)
  • Conference Room

Entrance Fees:

Entrance fees for Kakum National Park
Entrance fees for Kakum National Park

Contact Visitor Centre:

(00233) 0332130265, 0501291699, 0501291687